President Trump told the Justice Department to intervene in Alaska's Senate race, according to The New York Times, which reported in an explainer on the Alaska Senate race written by Jess Bidgood. The Times reported that polling shows Republicans at risk of losing a seat in the contest.

The summary of the Times explainer available for this report does not describe what the Justice Department would be asked to do, or how the request relates to the polling it cites. Those details may appear in the full article, which was not available for this report.

In Minnesota, The Hill reported that political headwinds are blowing in Democrats' favor nationally. The outlet cited high gas prices and President Trump's record-low approval rating as creating a difficult midterm environment for Republicans. Its headline refers to a "blue wave" that might not reach Minnesota.

According to The Hill, Minnesota's open Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D), and Democrats are facing an unexpectedly competitive race to replace her. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) holds a slim lead, the outlet reported, though the summary cuts off before naming the candidate she is ahead of.

Both reports describe a difficult environment for Republicans, though they cover different states. The Times summary points to polling showing Republicans at risk in Alaska, while The Hill described national conditions, including high gas prices and President Trump's record-low approval rating, as a difficult midterm environment for the party. Neither summary says how spending in the two races compares or how the Justice Department request might affect the Alaska outcome.

Sources: The New York Times: What to Know About Alaska’s Senate Race; The Hill: Why a blue wave might miss Minnesota’s Senate race.